Context Clues
Read this sentence.
The invention of the lightbulb in the 1800s helped illuminate homes and buildings, making it easier to read books even after sunset.
What is the meaning of the word illuminate as it is used in the sentence?
A. darken
B. brighten
C. build
D. design
B. brighten
What is the author's point of view in the paragraph below?
If the Titanic had been more prepared with lifeboats and procedures for disaster, more lives would have been saved. About 60% of the passengers and crew on board the Titanic died on that tragic day out at sea.
A. the primary reason of the titanic disaster is that passengers were not aware how to escape
B. there was a severe lack of preparedness on the titanic
C. there is nothing else that could have been done to prevent the disaster
B. there was a severe lack of preparedness on the titanic
Which of the following statements best supports the viewpoint that dogs make better pets than cats?
A. Cats are more independent.
B. Dogs are highly emotional animals who love to cuddle and be loyal to their owners.
C. Cats typically use a litter box.
D. Dogs enjoy treats and human food.
B. Dogs are highly emotional animals who love to cuddle and be loyal to their owners.
Male and female gorillas have different physical characteristics. Males typically grow to be larger than females and have more muscle. All primates can climb trees. Some primates are mainly terrestrial (live on land). But most are arboreal, which means they live mostly in trees.
Why does the author compare female and male gorillas?
A. to show that some males prefer living in trees
B. to show that some females prefer living on land
C. to show that females and males both enjoy living in trees
D. to show that despite being different, the main commonality is that they can climb trees
D. to show that despite being different, the main commonality is that they can climb trees
Read this sentence.
It is important to not get involved in a yelling fight when people are angry; it can usually escalate to violence.
What is the meaning of the word escalate as it is used in the sentence?
A. improve
B. solve
C. become worse
D. demonstrate
C. become worse
Which of the following sentences states an author's viewpoint?
Over 2,000 people were aboard on the Titanic's voyage, which departed from England and traveled to the United States. It was the largest passenger ship of its time, and it is still one of the most famous ships in history. The massive ship was beautiful and was talked about all over the world. However, the ship was not equipped with enough lifeboats in case disaster struck. And disaster did strike. The crew was not prepared.
A. The crew was not prepared.
B. Over 2,000 people were aboard on the Titanic's voyage...
C. It was the largest passenger ship of its time...
A. The crew was not prepared.
Which detail supports why manatees are becoming endangered animals?
A. they are typically very friendly and gentle animals
B. they are protected by their thick layer of blubber
C. they enjoy hunting small fish and seals
D. they have lost their fear of humans over time and often swim up to boats and get injured from the boat's propellers
D. they have lost their fear of humans over time and often swim up to boats and get injured from the boat's propellers
Primates are built differently than other mammals. First, primates have larger brains than other mammals. Their brains take up more of the space in their heads. Primates also have visual acuity. This means that their vision is better than other mammals. It is their sharpest sense. Most other mammals rely more on the sense of smell. Primates have opposable thumbs. These thumbs face a different direction than other fingers. Opposable thumbs let primates pick up things and hold objects tightly.
Why does the author write this paragraph?
A. to describe how primates use their thumbs
B. to persuade the reader why primates are the most intelligent animal
C. to contrast primates to other types of animals
D. to describe why primates are dangerous and meant to live in the wild
C. to contrast primates to other types of animals
Read this sentence.
My favorite restaurant sings its own rendition of Happy Birthday. They change the words and the beat.
What is the meaning of the word rendition as it is used in the sentence?
A. version
B. musical
C. play
D. beat
A. version
Which statement in the paragraph below expresses a viewpoint?
A tadpole moves to land and begins breathing with lungs. It becomes a froglet, or a young frog. It is a stage when the amphibian looks like a fully grown frog with arms and legs, but is just smaller. It is fascinating to see these tiny frogs and know they just grew their arms and legs. Another major physical change is that the frog does not have the tail anymore.
A. A tadpole moves to land and begins breathing with lungs.
B. It is fascinating to see these tiny frogs and know they just grew their arms and legs.
C. Another major physical change is that the frog does not have the tail anymore.
B. It is fascinating to see these tiny frogs and know they just grew their arms and legs.
Which detail supports the fact that having a successful igloo to keep you warm in the arctic requires an exact science?
A. Civilizations in arctic regions have been building igloos for thousands of years
B. The texture of the snow must be just right, not too hard or too fluffy, and the shape of the igloo must be a perfect arch.
C. The arctic region is one of the coldest and most forbidding environments on earth
B. The texture of the snow must be just right, not too hard or too fluffy, and the shape of the igloo must be a perfect arch.
Dr. Jane Goodall is an anthropologist, a person who studies humans and other primates. Goodall spent most of her life in Africa with chimpanzees, watching them in their natural habitat, the Gombe Forest in Africa, for over 60 years. Goodall quietly watched and took notes of their habits in daily life, even naming the animals that she observed.
Why does the author structure this paragraph this way?
A. to describe the steps of becoming an anthropologist
B. to emphasize the difference between chimpanzees and other primates
C. to explain the work that the famous anthropologist Jane Goodall does
D. to show how the Gombe Forest is being used
C. to explain the work that the famous anthropologist Jane Goodall does
Read this sentence.
The questions were so ambiguous; we had an extremely difficult time figuring out the correct answers.
What is the meaning of the word ambiguous as it is used in the sentence?
A. unclear, confusing
B. clear, straightforward
C. lengthy
D. not appropriate
A. unclear, confusing
All of the following statements are a viewpoint / opinion EXCEPT...
A. Life cycles are very impressive and unique natural events.
B. Butterflies are one type of species that undergo a life cycle.
C. It is important for scientists to study chimpanzee and primate behavior.
D. Exploring space is too expensive and should be cut out of American expenses.
B. Butterflies are one type of species that undergo a life cycle.
Which of the following details support the fact that aquariums have many benefits?
A. Aquarium admission fees are quite high.
B. Aquariums usually do not provide a large enough habitat for the marine animals.
C. Aquariums can be cruel because dolphins are known for having strong bonds to their families.
D. Most people are unable to observe large marine mammals in their natural habitats, so aquariums make it possible for people to observe and learn about large marine mammals.
D. Most people are unable to observe large marine mammals in their natural habitats, so aquariums make it possible for people to observe and learn about large marine mammals.
Dr. Goodall also discovered that chimpanzees have a wide range of emotions. Their emotions include joy, sorrow, anger, and more. Their personalities also vary as much as humans. Some chimpanzees are kind and loving. Others can be bullies. These studies have helped us learn more about primate intelligence.
Why does the author structure this paragraph this way?
A. to organize reasons why chimpanzees are so emotional
B. to describe chimpanzee's different personalities and emotions
C. to show that chimpanzees are easily angered
B. to describe chimpanzee's different personalities and emotions
Read this sentence.
The spa experience this weekend gave her much serenity that she desperately needed after the stressful week.
What is the BEST meaning of the word serenity as it is used in the sentence?
A. time off
B.stress
C. relaxation
D. happiest
C. relaxation
How does the author who wrote the paragraph below support the point of view that uniforms are important?
School uniforms prepare students for jobs and careers. Uniforms set a standard for how to look professional. Nowadays, many jobs and careers have uniforms and dress codes. If students are used to the standards of dressing neatly and professionally, they will be more prepared for their future jobs and careers.
A. by comparing school uniforms to the necessity of dressing neatly in real adult life
B. by noting that uniforms can prevent bullying
C. be describing reasons why uniforms make students feel confident
D. by illustrating the design of most school uniforms
A. by comparing school uniforms to the necessity of dressing neatly in real adult life
Which of the following details support the fact that aquariums have many negative effects?
A. Aquariums bring the ocean to people.
B. Educating people about marine life is extremely important.
C. Aquariums have helped scientists conduct large useful amounts of research.
D. In aquariums, they do not have the space to move freely. This can cause whales and dolphins to become frustrated and even depressed.
D. In aquariums, they do not have the space to move freely. This can cause whales and dolphins to become frustrated and even depressed.
Dr. Goodall's studies have helped scientists to understand primate intelligence better. For example, Goodall has shown that chimpanzees are smart enough to create their own tools, like sticking a blade of grass in a termite hole to catch and eat them. In the past, only humans were known to use tools. Goodall also discovered that chimpanzees hunt in packs for animals to eat. Before this, chimpanzees were only known to eat plants.
According to the paragraph, what is an effect of Jane Goodall's studies?
A. scientists are stuck with more questions and confusion
B. scientists struggle to understand primate behavior
C. scientists better understand why chimpanzees eat plants
D. scientists now know that chimpanzees are known for much more than just eating plants and are recognized as highly intelligent
D. scientists now know that chimpanzees are known for much more than just eating plants and are recognized as highly intelligent